“Revenue from the store during those months averaged out to be probably 45 per cent of our operating costs,” she told council on Jan. 15.
Of the council-approved $65,000 for the Re-use It Centre pilot project, $52,000 has been used already. This includes covering the $2,500 monthly rent.
Realistically, the Re-use It Centre isn’t going to break even after two years, said Cooper.
She’s met with Director of Finance, Alice Lettner, and CAO, Peter Waterworth, and the three continue to work on a business plan. Part of the plan is to focus on building an online presence for the Re-use It Centre.
“Where we’re sitting right now is I’d have to come back to council and request more funds to be released from the environmental stewardship reserve fund to carry on for next year.”
The Re-use It Centre’s lease expires at the end of February, which has led Cooper to consider moving to an alternate location, although finding a new space isn’t easy.
Basically, there’s two sides to consider in dealing with the Re-use It Centre, she said.
“One is how much you’re willing to subsidize it and its long-term sustainability. On the other hand, if you were to pull the pin now, it’s only had eight months, which is very short for any business.”
She cites Cochrane’s Re-use It Centre as an example. It took the organization four to five years before breaking even. The Re-use It Centre in Whistler, B.C. is another success story, as it took a couple years before turning a profit.
“The Re-use It Centre is not really a stand-alone,” said Mayor Richard Ireland. “The intent was that it would be a mechanism to reduce stress and strain on our solid waste collection, so there would be less stuff to pick up around trash cans and less stuff to haul to the transfer station.”
Councillors Brian Skehill, Rico Damota and Brenda Zinck voiced their optimism about the Re-use It Centre’s continuing existence.
Public input and ideas are welcome. The Re-use It Centre will be discussed at the Jasper Environmental Stewardship Society’s (JESS) annual general meeting on Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Legion.
